‘Together at Christmas’ was Better Bankside’s annual gift box appeal, to help spread some kindness to people experiencing homelessness, those struggling with mental health issues and our older neighbours. Bankside businesses and employees were encouraged to donate gifts to local charities including s hats, gloves, socks and scarves, as well as toiletries and festive food.
2021 saw a record number of donations:
- No of people receiving parcels: 979
- No of charities, community groups, hostels and support services: 20
- No of gift items donated –c. 3500-4000
- No of volunteers signed up to help: 140
Some of the local organisations being supported this year include St Mungo’s, The Manna Society, Look Ahead, Lucy Brown House, Hopton Street Almshouses and Blackfriars Settlement, as well as other hostels and support services across Southwark.
Donald Hyslop, Chair of Better Bankside, said:
“The past year has been challenging once again, but Banksiders have come together and have shown a real desire to support our neighbourhood where they can. We were determined that our Together at Christmas campaign would go ahead in some form bringing the business and local communities together in a spirit of kindness and generosity. Everyone single contribution will be helping a vulnerable members of the community, and despite restrictions, we were proud to be able to run this programme in 2021”